God Still Speaks
Acts 8:26-40
Pastor Joel Sutton - February 10, 2013
Series: Eat the Word.
The Actors:
Ethiopian eunuch
- Great authority
- Wealthy and educated
- Seeker of truth
Philip, the evangelist.
- A deacon.
- Obedient to God
- A guide
The Holy Spirit
- Prepared the eunuch's heart
- Directed Philip's path
- Spoke through the Word.
Take Home Idea: God is still speaking today through His word to those who seek Him.
Discussion Questions
Opening:
When in school, what textbook was hardest for you to grasp?
Look at the Take Home idea. Explain it in your own words.
Dig:
Read Acts 8:26-40.
Why does the eunuch visit Jerusalem? What does the fact that he is reading from Isaiah 53 tell you about this man?
Do a little background research on Philip. Who is he (read Acts 6:1-6)? What effect does the killing of Stephen have on Philip (read 8:1-8)?
The eunuch was reading from Isaiah 53. No Jew in the first century was expecting a suffering rather than a triumphant Messiah. So how do you think Philip made this connection of Jesus fulfilling Isaiah 53 (hint: Mark 10:45; Luke 22:37)? In what ways does Jesus fit the picture of the one described in that chapter? If you were Philip using Isaiah 53, what would you emphasize about the gospel?
What role did the Holy Spirit play in this story? How did God pave the way for his message? What is the relationship between divine preparation and human initiative in this story?
Reflect:
What roles do "guides" or teachers like Philip play in helping us to understand Scripture? When can our dependence on "experts" be helpful and when can it be detrimental?
What role does the Holy Spirit play in helping us understand and hear God speak today through Scripture?
How open are you to hearing God's voice, over and above all the other voices that are screaming at you in this world? How do you hear Him speak? How much time do you spend reading and studying God's Word in a week? Close by sharing your answers and then praying together.